Deseret News | BYU football: Cougars' 2009 schedule released

Reader comments
BYU football: Cougars' 2009 schedule released

The MTN | 3:23 p.m. March 26, 2009

They need to get off that MTN network.

Ernest T. Bass | 3:42 p.m. March 26, 2009

BYU should have no trouble beating up on Oklahoma and Florida State.

jtenman | 3:46 p.m. March 26, 2009

Props to BYU. I am a big Utah fan, and I must say that BYU did a good job with their pre-season schedule by getting Oklahoma and Florida State. Good luck to them.

Comments continue below

SJ | 3:47 p.m. March 26, 2009

Yeah, no Thursday games.........

The bye week also comes at a good time. With a little (or lot of) luck, they beat Oklahoma and are then in a position to run the table.

Hopefully, Bronco completely dissects that TCU video to avoid another fiasco. The other games are all winnable. I'm excited already.

BYU FAN! | 3:53 p.m. March 26, 2009

Looks like a 8-4 season for us this upcoming year! YES!!!! We are the Best!!!

"Fully Invested" in "The Quest" | 4:02 p.m. March 26, 2009

Please don't kill us with a joke of a team t-shirt this year!!!But if you insist, how about "Take it to the next level?...what next level, this is all we've got!!!"

Zac | 4:09 p.m. March 26, 2009

I can't wait. I will be at the game in Dallas, as well as all the games in Provo. We have the advantage this year with almost all of our tough games at home. Go Cougs!

Ernest T. Bass | 4:40 p.m. March 26, 2009

Quest for pretty dang good.

get ready... | 4:40 p.m. March 26, 2009

Oklahoma is not cake walk.

Ouch | 4:47 p.m. March 26, 2009

Cougs are looking down the barrel at 0-3 to start the season. Better take care of the game at Tulane, or that will be a reality. OK and FSU have way too much speed for the Cougs to contend with. Much more than TCU and Utah had last year, and we all know how those games turned out.

Best idea for Donko might be to just play Riley or Gaskins versus Ok and FSU, that way you have a QB for the conference season. Although I don't think TCU or Utah would be too sad seeing balls coming at them from Max.

Could be a long season for Donko and Maxie.

Run the table? Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahah. Donko and Max couldn't do that with the weak schedules they have the last 3 years. So adding Oklahoma and FSU is going to break that trend? Donko would be happy getting out of this season with 4 losses, not including the bowl lose that comes annually.

Can't beat Arizona, Boston College, Tulsa, TCU and Utah the last few years, and a Cougar fan still thinks that with a lot of luck they can "run the table." Wow.

Understatement... | 4:51 p.m. March 26, 2009

of the year. Oklahoma is not a cake walk? Hope that is a Ute fan being sarcastic, and not a Cougar fan actually being serious.

YOU HAVE NO SHOT TO BEAT OKLAHOMA.

This isn't Utah versus Alabama. Or TCU versus OK a few years ago. This is BYU, with one of the slowest and worst secondaries in the nation. Going up against the Heisman winner who is surrounded by a mammoth line and speed everywhere else.

"Quest To Lose By Less Than 40" takes place to start the 2009 season.

"Quest To Not Be 0-3 To Start The Season" takes place shortly after Oklahoma destroys Donko and the Cougs.

no BCS from MWC | 5:13 p.m. March 26, 2009

BYU will likely start 0-3 then win the conference if they can beat TCU. But I like the attempt. If BYU were to run the table with that schedule. They may be in position to play for a national championship. But there is no way.

coogie | 5:21 p.m. March 26, 2009

band of fully invested bros living righteously for the quest for the perfect fireside.

Anonymous | 5:26 p.m. March 26, 2009

Your season will be over in a week. BYU can't help but declare themselves preseason national champs every year. Why don't you guys just quit talking to the media, shut up, and play football for a change? the reason is very simple, YOU CAN'T

Go Aggies | 5:33 p.m. March 26, 2009

I believe this will be the year Utah State breaks through for a win in Provo.

Anonymous | 6:16 p.m. March 26, 2009

I love Ute fans mocking BYU's program. Listen Utes: last year was your year: congratulations. However, next year is a new year so spare everyone the trash talk, because your team from next year has done ZERO.
And if we're talking history like you are, don't forget the two years previous. Collie's still open. Harline's still open. What?? Old news you say? I agree. Let's keep it to this next year.
Go Cougars! Sweet schedule this next year. Too bad the Utes can't say the same...

LP Grad, BYU Alum | 6:50 p.m. March 26, 2009

Should be an awesome schedule. Kudos to Bronco for putting it together...BYU has come a long way as far as great scheduling...Notre Dame a few years back, USC, Florida State, Oklahoma. Don't worry Ute fans...someday you'll get national respect and prestige enough to be invited to play OK in the inaugural game for a sweet stadium. Put together what BYU did in the 80's and 90's consistantly, and you'll be there too, instead of playing San Jose St.

It's not a realistic dream, wishing the cougs to win the OK game, but the others are definitely within reach. If they can avoid injuries, they'll learn an awful lot and be prepared for conference. With the tough games all at home this year and all the weapons returning, BYU could realistically go undefeated in conference. TCU is the toughest game, but BYU will be wanting to get revenge and will play with intensity. Can you say 3 titles in 4 years?

And to the Aggie, yeah you'll win in Provo...remind me again what the score was last time you fellas came to town...ow wait...38-0!

AggieFan74 | 7:00 p.m. March 26, 2009

RE: Go Aggies: Yea that would be great but not likely. Personally I would like to see the Aggies completely drop BYU from both the Football and Basketball schedules forever! It's all about money. It takes a ton of it to build highly competitive athletic programs-especially in football. Thirty years ago the Aggies could compete with a lot of teams but those days are gone. BYU on the otherhand has unlimited money to spend on every athletic program sponsored or sanctioned by the NCAA. It's a missionary program! As one die-hard Aggie Fan I am sick and tired of getting kicked around by the big bad Cougars who mostlikely out-spend USU by a multiplier of 100 to 1 for athletic facilities and recruiting. It's time for Aggie fans to be satisfied with being competitive in the WAC and let the BYUs of the world spend the big money and dream about BCS bowls. I find it very ironic that the name on BYU's 64,000 plus seat football stadium is the name of an ex-Aggie football standout!

To: Understatement... | 7:22 p.m. March 26, 2009

Anything can happen...we have seen it before and we will see it again. Lose by 40 and going 0-3 sounds like the utes to me.

Anonymous | 7:23 p.m. March 26, 2009

Fully Invested and the Quest for Perfection! Taking a page out of Utah's playbook!

Anonymous | 7:25 p.m. March 26, 2009

BYU winning the MWC will be the worst thing for the conference if they can't even get to a quality bowl game. Winning the MWC and losing to a pac-10 team makes our conference look bad. we should kick byu out of the conference.

To: Go Aggies | 7:27 p.m. March 26, 2009

Start winning at home before you start talking smack!

Utah Man | 8:08 p.m. March 26, 2009

A trip to Tulane is the only chance BYU will ever have to play in the Big Easy! Just think, you may even be able to pick up some Utah v. Alabama gear while you're down there.

Cal Ute | 8:44 p.m. March 26, 2009

Your offensive line is real inexperienced, your defense is still slow and your QB is no big deal. I am so happy that the BYU fans are counting Utah out of the race and really hope your team has the same attitude. Utah and TCU will beat you at home. Look for a big 8 and 4. Look on the good side, BYU will not be playing in Las Vegas at season end.

Anonymous | 9:01 p.m. March 26, 2009

Can't wait to watch FSU pound BYU, again.

Chester Blue | 9:27 p.m. March 26, 2009

I love this schedule. To be the best, you have to beat the best. That's what Bronco said and I believe it too. You don't grow by playing Weber State or Southern Utah. You gotta square off with the big boys. I believe that Oklahoma game will be more competitive than people think. BYU players are working their tails off and perfecting their assignments. Max Hall will spread the ball around effectively with strong line play and Harvey Unga has to do his thing. Harvey will be the key for how good BYU plays in '09. If Unga gets at least 20 touches per game on the ground and through the air, we have a good chance of winning. Actually he needs at least 15 on the ground and at least 5 through the air. He really can open it up the offense as long as the line gives him some space to run through. I like our chances this year. One game at a time. Let's get after those Sooners in Texas!

Y Grad / Y Dad | 10:31 p.m. March 26, 2009

I find all the put-downs truly amusing. There is a reason why they play the games, otherwise Utah gets drawn and quartered by 'Bama. But on the field it just didn't happen.

One of you out there is right, if the team discounts Utah, TCU and Air Force, just because we have them at home, it could be a long, sad season.

But if the Utes all revel too much in BYU's short-comings of last year, I suspect that mad Max and gang just might have the last laugh.

So, laugh it up. Rub it in. Even with your outstanding season last year, it is still better to be a cougar. Always.

To: Utah Man | 8:08 p.m. | 12:34 a.m. March 27, 2009

I am sure that gear has already made it to the trash cans or used as grease rags by now. The only ute gear I'll see this year will be at LES as they will all be leaving by the end of the 1st quarter.

Anonymous | 1:50 a.m. March 27, 2009

BYU hasn't lost at home since dropping an overtime game to Utah in 2005. Don't underestimate BYU's strength at LES. Utah fans of all people should be wary of the trash talk before the game is played, since last year virtually nobody gave them a chance against Alabama.

NL | 6:22 a.m. March 27, 2009

I like the the schedule and will be interesting to see how well BYU plays. The results may not be what the BYU fans will like but to watch teams of this caliber will be a barometer of the BYU program for now and the future. BYU still slow with a weak defense and slow over weight linemen. I expect to see good effort from the BYU players but the results may be gloomy for the fans. I wish them well but reality dictates a mediocre season. I support all Utah teams but lean towards BYU. I had a son play for BYU and he enjoyed the coaches and his time at school. Good program but handicapped in ways that are self chosen. No criticism just fact.
A good year for all Utah teams would be fun to watch.

TrueRed | 7:07 a.m. March 27, 2009

Re:YGrad/YDad---WE played, we are, we did, we will, weee, weee, weeee! LOL

Hey John and Hans; DJ and PK........what is all this talk today about the BYWHO schedule?? So, with realistic evaluation U all are feeling that 1-2 or 0-3 is what is goin' to happen?! Yipper Skipper

Oh well, Ernest Bass probably says it most accurately!!

Mid West Ute | 7:14 a.m. March 27, 2009

RFe:
Anon at 1:50am...........but the Utes had a team that performed!

And poor Chester Blue------that's what the Donk had the boys doing last year-remember all the talk and the QUEST? They were 'perfecting" everything and dedicating every thing they were doing!

LOL LOL LOL LOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

1-2 or 0-3 and plenty of that good ole' Texas Armadillo meat to eat!!! Step up boys there is plenty more where for everyone on the team bus..

LP Grad, BYU Alum | 8:09 a.m. March 27, 2009

RE: AggieFan74

You want to drop the cougs from your schedule? If it weren't for BYU, you'd be a div. II school. BYU single-handeldy saved your gave-attendance average last season, keeping you from dropping to a lower classification. I think rather than drop BYU, you should start thanking them for even playing you guys, when they could have rescheduled ASU later in the season after that game was dropped. Oh wait, you probably just want BYU to play in Logan every single game, just like basketball (5 of last 9 in the Spectrum). When it comes time to play in Provo, the Ags want to stop the series, but when we play up in Logan, the Ags think they're on the top of the world.

Yes, it's all about money, but do you know how much BYU brought to USU last season up in Logan? BYU brought 15,000 fans up to Logan...just imagine ticket revenues and concessions. It's in USU's best interest to keep playing BYU, even if they get slaughtered each year. I'm looking forward to yet another Aggie massacre this year.

Boise Cougar | 12:16 p.m. March 27, 2009

Well said Y Dad/Y Grad. No matter what happens in the games played by men and boys, it is better to be a Cougar. Always. I have never, in all may days attending sporting events, witness such childish and debased behavior that that of Ute fans when I wore a blue shirt to watch my Cougars play basketball in Salt Lake. At the last day, we will see who is LOL the loudest. Go Cougars! Keep up the firesides. Keep up the slogans that are demeaned by the world but mean so much more to those who know. We love it, we identify with it, and it is so wonderful to be associated with an institution and a coach who understand the true importance of football as compared with the soul.

McKay | 1:05 p.m. March 27, 2009

Well said Boise Cougar! Nothing is more telling of the character of Ute fans as going to a game at Rice Eccles or the Huntsman center wearing BYU blue. The U is a fine institution and has quality athletics; however the majority of their fans are the most despicable fans I've ever seen or been around. Kind of funny that the BYU haters like to point out how BYU and it's fans give the LDS church a bad name; but I would say that Ute fans give the church far worse publicity with their behavior and antics towards opposing teams and their fans and it's not even close. Point in case when the Utes played Arizona in bball back in the 90's and Lute Olsen said Utah had the worst fans he'd ever seen/heard with their shouts of the N word at his players.

Re: Boise Cougar | 2:06 p.m. March 27, 2009

Why don't BYU fans give up the Quest thing? Aren't you embarassed enough? We all know it had a duel meaning. The problem is that it was plastered on your t-shirts at games, not your tie at church.
I truly am jealous of the Cougar schedule this year. It is awesome. But there are other interpretations to the fact that you are playing Oklahoma this year. Teams like to schedule you because you can ride on the coatails of what you did 25 years ago, and they know that there is no chance of actually losing the game. It is a win/win for them. They get to kill a team that people remember having a good team from a long time ago. "BYU is good right? Steve Young went to school there right? Well, truth be told I couldn't tell you the name of two quarterbacks west of Nebraska." Just playing respectable teams does not make you respectable. Heck, USU played Oklahoma recently, does that mean that they are one of the top programs in the country? Don't dilude yourself. You are on the schedule because it is a guaranteed W.

Stiker | 3:48 p.m. March 27, 2009

What happened the last time USU visited Provo? Yep, a USU upset is bound to happen.

Max Hall Math | 3:56 p.m. March 27, 2009

Max Hall = Turnovers
Turnovers = Lost Games
Lost Games = Losers
Max Hall = Loser

Big D | 4:04 p.m. March 27, 2009

I remember a few years ago when Miami came into LES ranked #1 in the nation and left with their tails between their legs. Don't count the Cougs out yet against Oklahoma. By the way, what is wrong with "Quest for Perfection"? Do you think the motto should be "Quest for Mediocrity"? We should all strive for perfection in all we do!!!

MADRYBEG | 4:09 p.m. March 27, 2009

0-3? Really? Who really believes this? Tulane is not exactly a powerhouse in the college football world. Oklahoma and Florida St. will be TOUGH games. However, IF BYU manages to beat one or the other (probably FSU being the most realistic) it will continue to build the momentum the MWC gained last year. I am a Utah fan and will be cheering for BYU in these games. Utah has a tough challenge with Oregon and Louisville. Any teams that are from a BCS have to be considered big for the MWC. The MWC has to beat 'em all to even consider being among the elite conferences.

Holier than thou | 9:56 p.m. March 28, 2009

The problem with BYU is this holier than thou attitude. You think you have a better team and schedule because you are BYU? I hope BYU does win both OK and Florida State, it will only help the conference. No matter who you play you will never be in a NC title game, just look at Utah's TWO undefeated seasons. The conference is the ONLY reason UTah is was not the NC last year. Good luck BYU and lets hope you stop being holier than thou and realize that God gave everyone free agency and hopes that man will do good by his own volition, not by being forced to by his Elder's quorom president.

GO UTES!!! Utah #1

Randall | 10:22 a.m. April 1, 2009

Cosmo,
No Northern Iowa This Year?

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.